What are the Cool Places in Chicago?

Hyde Park is known as the home of architectural gems such as the Robie House, the gothic spires of the University of Chicago, and the sight of the first nuclear reaction. The atom was split for the first time in an abandoned squash court on the University of Chicago’s athletic compound. But you won’t feel like splitting from the Promontory, a chill indoor/outdoor space in Hyde Park that features BBQ, live music and a full service bar. Make your way over to promontory point, the man-made peninsula jutting into Lake Michigan that’s also the namesake of this spacious music venue, for stunning views of the Chicago skyline and relaxing vibes near the lake.

AceBounce

Great music, lively activity, strong drinks and top-notch food. You can’t get them all in one place, right? INCORRECT! AceBounce has all the things that are needed to kickstart a party. Any night of the week. All night. This ping pong venue and newcomer to Chicago’s party scene is located in the heart of the Loop, so not only does it eliminate any perception that ping pong is an uncool sport (it’s very cool, actually) but it also reshapes the geography of Chicago’s nightlife. Now the Loop is becoming cool for both daytime sightseeing and nighttime partying. That’s a huge boon to convention crowds, business travelers and tourists who find themselves in the heart of downtown Chicago and are looking for cool places in Chicago to have FUN long in to the night.

Chinatown

For something different, head a bit south of downtown on the Red Line. Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood has eclectic dining experiences and unique shopping venues on lockdown. In Chinatown’s older stretch along Wentworth Avenue, visitors will find the iconic gateway and landmark Pui Tak center with its pagoda-styled turrets. The new Chinatown Square north of the original stretch boasts a more concentrated assortment of cafés, gift shops and bakeries to explore. Saunter over to Ping Tom park after grabbing some barbecue or family-style hotpot meals. This little green oasis adjacent to the Chicago River hosts Dragon Boat races each spring. But you don’t need much of an excuse to cruise down on the Red Line or the water taxi to explore this pocket of the city.